District AI Integration Plan
District AI Integration Plan
2025-2026
Purpose of Plan
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes an increasingly common tool in education and society, it is essential to prepare our students to use it responsibly, ethically, and effectively. This plan outlines how AI can be integrated into instruction to enhance learning, promote digital citizenship, and support the development of critical thinking and ethical decision-making, while maintaining academic integrity and protecting student privacy.
The goal is to view AI as a supplemental instructional resource, not a replacement for foundational learning. In a K–8 environment like Little Falls, the emphasis must remain on building core knowledge and skills, with AI introduced gradually and purposefully to support instructional goals and age-appropriate development.
Authorized Use of AI
AI may be used in all Little Falls schools and grade levels as a tool to enrich instruction, provided its use does not interfere with students’ ability to master curriculum content aligned to New Jersey Student Learning Standards.
AI use must be:
- Age-appropriate and developmentally aligned
- Focused on teacher-led exploration in younger grades
- Carefully integrated to support learning goals, not replace them
Teachers should guide students in understanding what AI is, how it works, and how to use it ethically and thoughtfully.
AI Use by Grade Band
PreK–2
- AI may be used in teacher-facilitated activities such as storytelling, guided exploration, or class-wide questioning.
- Students should not generate content independently using AI.
- Instructional focus: Introduce what AI is, spark curiosity, encourage conversation about technology and thinking.
Grades 3–5
- AI can support brainstorming, idea organization, and basic research with close teacher supervision.
- Use should not replace reading, writing, or computation tasks that develop essential skills.
- Instructional focus: Begin discussing ethics, fairness, and the idea that AI can make mistakes. Practice fact-checking and reflection.
Grades 6–8
- Students may use AI tools for research, summarizing, drafting, and problem-solving, with clear expectations and responsible use emphasized.
- Instructional focus: Deepen understanding of bias, accuracy, authorship, and the evolving role of AI in society.
- Students should be taught how to responsibly cite AI-generated content and use AI as a tool, not a shortcut.
Guidelines for AI Use in Assignments
- Clear Expectations: Teachers must indicate in the assignment instructions whether and how AI may be used.
- If no AI guidance is given, students must assume that AI is not permitted.
- Human Thinking First: AI cannot replace independent thinking, analysis, or foundational skill development.
Citation Guidelines
When students use AI tools in assignments, they must follow a consistent format for citation. This may include:
- Name of the tool
- Date used
- Prompt or task
- Source or platform
Teachers will guide students in how to include AI use transparently in their work.
Review and Oversight Process
- AI Coordinator Review: The Superintendent, Principal, or a designated AI Coordinator will periodically review AI usage to ensure compliance, safety, and equity.
- Teachers may use district-purchased AI tools or submit requests to use other tools via email to the Principal.
- Tools not officially approved by the district should only be used if submitted and cleared in advance.
- Teachers are allowed discretion for limited or one-time AI tool use, as long as it aligns with this plan and Policy 2365.
Approved AI Platforms
- Only district-purchased tools will appear on the approved AI platform list.
- Free or teacher-obtained tools must follow the review process above.
- Staff should contact building administrators with any questions about tool use.
Parental Notification & Consent
- This plan will be available on the district website.
- After review of the plan, consent is implied unless a parent/guardian contacts their child's building principal with concerns.
- Final decisions on AI use will rest with school staff, guided by this plan and Board Policy 2365.
Prohibited Uses of AI
AI use by students is not allowed when it involves:
- Misrepresenting AI-generated work as one’s own
- Submitting content that surpasses a student's typical skill level
- Relying on AI in a way that hinders growth or learning
- Creating or spreading false, biased, or harmful content
- Using AI to share or analyze confidential or personal data
- Violating the district Code of Conduct or acceptable use policies
Consequences for Misuse
- Disciplinary actions may include a warning, parent notification, loss of privileges, or additional consequences as outlined in Policies 2361 and 5600.
- Consequences will be age-appropriate and progressive based on the nature of the offense.
Academic Dishonesty & Appeals
- Suspected academic dishonesty will follow Policy 5701.
- Students and families have a right to due process.
- Appeals may be submitted to the building principal.
- Teachers will document and communicate any violations and decisions with parents.
Ongoing Review of AI Use
The district will review and update this plan regularly, in collaboration with school leaders, teachers, and designated AI coordinators, to ensure it remains current, safe, and educationally valuable for K–8 students in Little Falls.
Downloads
| District AI Integration Plan 2025-2026 |